Forest and medicine intercropping root control device for driving tree root systems to grow directionally

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of root control, and provides a forest and medicine intercropping root control device for driving tree root systems to grow directionally, which comprises a root control plate, the root control plate is buried in a soil layer between the tree root systems and a medicine growing area, and a root control coating is arranged on one side of the root control plate facing the tree. The top of the flexible fixing structure is exposed above the soil layer and is connected with the flexible fixing structure through the telescopic buffering structure, and the flexible fixing structure is connected to a tree trunk. By arranging the root control plate and the root control coating on the root control plate, transverse expansion of shallow root systems of the forest trees can be physically blocked, the forest trees can be actively induced to grow towards deep soil, the effects of active induction and space redistribution in the growth direction of the root systems of the forest trees are achieved, competition between the root systems of the forest trees and medicinal materials is effectively reduced, and the survival rate of the forest trees is increased. Favorable conditions are provided for the growth of the medicinal materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of root control technology, and in particular to a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forests that drives the directional growth of tree roots. Background Technology

[0002] Intercropping between forests and medicinal herbs is an important ecological agricultural model for improving the comprehensive utilization efficiency of forest land. However, in this model, the root systems of shallow-rooted trees (such as certain poplars and eucalyptus trees) are usually extensively distributed in the topsoil, creating fierce competition with medicinal herbs (such as astragalus and honeysuckle) planted under the forest canopy within the limited shallow water and fertilizer space. Due to their large biomass and strong competitiveness, the root systems of the forest trees often dominate, leading to inhibited growth of medicinal herbs and a decline in yield and quality.

[0003] Currently, the main measures to alleviate rhizosphere competition between trees and medicinal herbs include deep tillage and soil improvement, increased fertilization, or the use of simple physical root-blocking materials (such as plastic film). However, these methods have obvious limitations: deep tillage and soil improvement can easily damage the existing root system of trees and have a short-lived effect; increased fertilization is costly and can exacerbate the aggregation of surface roots; and traditional root-blocking materials (such as root control containers used for seedling cultivation) have a single function, which can only prevent roots from coiling and cannot actively guide the growth direction and spatial redistribution of the roots of already planted trees.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forests to drive the directional growth of tree roots, in order to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forests to drive the directional growth of tree roots.

[0006] This invention provides a root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots, comprising: The root control board is buried in the soil layer between the tree root system and the medicinal herb growth area. The root control coating is provided on the side facing the tree, and the top is exposed above the soil layer and connected to the flexible fixing structure through the telescopic buffer structure. The flexible fixing structure is connected to the tree trunk.

[0007] According to the present invention, a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forests to drive the directional growth of tree roots is provided, wherein the root control plate is arranged vertically, has a V-shaped cross-section, and its open side faces the trees.

[0008] According to the present invention, a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants to drive the directional growth of tree roots is provided, wherein the root control plate is provided with multiple rows of through holes, and each group of through holes includes multiple microholes arranged at intervals from top to bottom.

[0009] According to the present invention, a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants to drive the directional growth of tree roots is provided, wherein the bottom of the root control plate is connected to a plurality of spaced anchor rods, and the bottom of the anchor rods is set as a pointed tip.

[0010] According to the present invention, a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forestry that drives the directional growth of tree roots is provided. The telescopic buffer structure includes a damper. One end of the damper is hinged to the root control plate through a hinge ball, and the other end is connected to the flexible fixed structure through a connecting structure. An elastic structure is provided on the outside of the damper, and the two ends of the elastic structure are respectively connected to the fixed end and the moving end of the damper.

[0011] According to the present invention, a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forestry to drive the directional growth of tree roots is provided. The elastic structure includes a blocking member 1 connected to the fixed end of the damper and a blocking member 2 connected to the actuating end of the damper. A spring is provided between the blocking member 1 and the blocking member 2. The spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the damper, and its two ends abut against the blocking member 1 and the blocking member 2 respectively.

[0012] According to the present invention, a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forestry that drives the directional growth of tree roots is provided, wherein the blocking member is configured as a nut, and the outer periphery of the fixed end of the damper is provided with a threaded section adapted to the nut, and the nut is threadedly connected to the threaded section.

[0013] According to the present invention, a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forestry to drive the directional growth of tree roots is provided. The connecting structure includes a first connecting ring connected to the damper on the side near the flexible fixing structure, and a second connecting ring connected to the flexible fixing structure. The first connecting ring and the second connecting ring are connected by a pin.

[0014] According to the present invention, a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants to drive the directional growth of tree roots is provided, wherein the flexible fixing structure is configured as an adaptive telescopic strap, which is made of a composite rubber / fabric material with shape memory or high elasticity.

[0015] According to the present invention, a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants to drive the directional growth of tree roots is provided, wherein the root control plate is made of biodegradable plastic.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: By setting up root control boards and the root control coating on the root control boards, this invention can both physically block the lateral expansion of shallow tree roots and actively induce them to grow into deeper soil. This achieves the effect of actively inducing and spatially redistributing the growth direction of tree roots, effectively reducing the competition between tree roots and medicinal materials, and providing favorable conditions for the growth of medicinal materials.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and the accompanying drawings.

[0018] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forestry that drives the directional growth of tree roots, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the telescopic buffer structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the elastic structure provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the connection structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a root control device for intercropping medicinal plants in forestry, which drives the directional growth of tree roots, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Root control plate; 101. Micropores; 2. Telescopic buffer structure; 21. Damper; 22. Connecting structure; 221. Connecting ring one; 222. Connecting ring two; 223. Pin; 23. Elastic structure; 231. Blocking component one; 232. Blocking component two; 233. Spring; 3. Flexible fixing structure; 4. Anchor bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] Example This invention provides a root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1-5 It includes a root control board 1, which is buried in the soil layer between the tree root system and the medicinal herb growth area. The root control board 1 has a root control coating on the side facing the tree, and the top is exposed above the soil layer and connected to the flexible fixing structure 3 through the telescopic buffer structure 2. The flexible fixing structure 3 is connected to the tree trunk.

[0023] In this embodiment, the number of root control boards 1 can be set to multiple. Multiple root control boards 1 are set at intervals along the circumference of the tree trunk, at the edge of its crown projection or the outer edge of the root zone, according to the distribution of the tree root system and the arrangement of the medicinal herb growth area. The root control boards 1 are arranged vertically, with a V-shaped cross-section and its open side facing the tree. The root control coating is applied to the open side of the root control board 1 located in the soil layer. The flexible fixing structure 3 is fixed to the bottom of the tree trunk. The flexible fixing structure 3 is connected to the root control board 1 through the telescopic buffer structure 2, which can improve the stability of the root control board 1 after installation.

[0024] By adopting this scheme, through the root control plate 1 and the root control coating on the root control plate 1, the present invention can both physically block the lateral expansion of the shallow roots of trees and actively induce them to grow into the deeper soil. This achieves the effect of actively inducing and spatially redistributing the growth direction of the tree roots, effectively reducing the competition between the tree roots and the medicinal materials, and providing favorable conditions for the growth of the medicinal materials.

[0025] To further optimize the design, the root control board 1 is equipped with multiple rows of through-hole groups, each group comprising multiple micropores 101 arranged at intervals from top to bottom. By creating multiple micropores 101, normal exchange of moisture and air in the soil can be achieved on both sides of the root control board 1, preventing the formation of a completely closed barrier layer. Furthermore, a flexible hydrogel material sensitive to environmental humidity can be coated onto the inner wall of the micropores 101; when the soil is dry, the gel shrinks, increasing the diameter of the micropores 101, facilitating water diffusion; when the soil is moist, the gel expands, decreasing the diameter of the micropores 101, thus preventing excessive water loss and playing a water-retention role.

[0026] Further optimization involves fixing multiple spaced anchor rods 4 to the bottom of the root control board 1, with the bottom of each anchor rod 4 having a pointed tip. By inserting the anchor rods 4 with pointed tips into deeper layers of soil, the root control board 1 can be anchored at the bottom. This, combined with the upper telescopic buffer structure 2 and flexible fixing structure 3, enables the board to resist external forces such as wind loads and soil moisture changes during long-term use, maintaining its stability and achieving long-term root control.

[0027] Further optimizing the design, the telescopic buffer structure 2 includes a damper 21. One end of the damper 21 is hinged to the root control plate 1 via a hinged ball, and the other end is connected to the flexible fixed structure 3 via a connecting structure 22. An elastic structure 23 is provided on the outside of the damper 21, and both ends of the elastic structure 23 are connected to the fixed end and the moving end of the damper 21, respectively. Through the cooperation of the damper 21 and the elastic structure 23, the damper can buffer and dissipate energy when encountering external forces such as strong winds or changes in soil moisture.

[0028] In a further optimized design, the elastic structure 23 includes a first blocking member 231 connected to the fixed end of the damper 21 and a second blocking member 232 connected to the moving end of the damper 21. A spring 233 is disposed between the first blocking member 231 and the second blocking member 232. The spring 233 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the damper 21, and its two ends abut against the first blocking member 231 and the second blocking member 232, respectively. Through the cooperation between the first blocking member 231, the second blocking member 232, the spring 233, and the damper 21, the spring 233 can perform stretching or compression movements when the damper 21 extends or retracts. Through the combined action of the above components, a buffering and energy dissipation function can be achieved.

[0029] Further optimization of the scheme: the blocking component 231 is set as a nut, and the outer periphery of the fixed end of the damper 21 is provided with a threaded section that matches the nut, and the nut is threadedly connected to the threaded section.

[0030] In this embodiment, the second blocking member 232 is fixedly sleeved on the outer periphery of the actuating end of the damper 21. The length of the threaded section can be set according to actual needs. The position of the nut can be adjusted by turning the nut, and the preload of the spring 233 can be adjusted.

[0031] Further optimizing the design, the connecting structure 22 includes a connecting ring 221 fixedly connected to the damper 21 near the flexible fixed structure 3, and a connecting ring 222 fixedly connected to the flexible fixed structure 3. The connecting ring 221 and the connecting ring 222 are connected by a pin 223. The connecting ring 222 corresponds to the connecting ring 221, and the pin 223 is a flat-headed pin 223. During connection, the pin 223 is passed through the connecting ring 222 and the connecting ring 221 in sequence, so that the head of the pin 223 rests against the connecting ring 222. Then, a cotter pin is installed in the bottom pin hole to complete the movable hinge between the connecting ring 222 and the connecting ring 221. The connection between the damper 21 and the flexible fixed structure 3 via the pin 223, and the ball joint connection between the damper 21 and the root control plate 1, work together to achieve dynamic buffering and transmission of tree sway, thus protecting both the trees and the root control plate 1.

[0032] Further optimizing the design, the flexible fixing structure 3 is configured as an adaptive telescopic strap, made of a composite rubber / fabric material with shape memory or high elasticity. The adaptive telescopic strap can be configured as a high-elasticity composite fabric strap, a shape memory polyurethane strap, or a highly weather-resistant elastic strap. This allows the strap to automatically and elastically stretch as the trunk diameter increases, preventing excessive force on the trunk and providing a degree of protection.

[0033] To further optimize the design, the root control board 1 is made of biodegradable plastic. This biodegradable plastic can be polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), which has a controllable degradation cycle in the soil. During the critical period of vigorous tree growth and intense root competition, the root control board 1 maintains sufficient mechanical strength. As the tree matures and the deep root network is largely established, reducing root competition pressure, the root control board 1 gradually degrades and its strength decreases. At this point, some fine roots can penetrate the weakened board, achieving a more natural root connection. Furthermore, the root control board 1 in the soil is eventually decomposed, preventing it from becoming a long-term obstacle restricting the free development of the root system.

[0034] The root control coating was further optimized into a multi-layered composite structure, tightly adhering to the surface of the root control board 1. This multi-layered composite structure, from the board body outwards, consists of a base adhesive layer, a slow-release layer, a contact-response layer, and a protective layer; the main materials are as follows: 1. The base adhesive layer is a modified epoxy resin or high-performance polyurethane adhesive, with the addition of a flexible toughening agent, which can ensure that the coating is firmly bonded to the substrate of the root control board 1, and can adapt to the slight deformation of the board to prevent it from falling off.

[0035] The specific materials and proportions of the base adhesive layer are as follows: Matrix resin: Bisphenol A type epoxy resin (brand name E-51), 100 parts by weight.

[0036] Curing agent: Polyamide 650, 85 parts by weight.

[0037] Toughening agent: Carboxyl-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber (CTBN), added at 15% of the epoxy resin mass.

[0038] The preparation and coating process of this basic adhesive layer is as follows: 1. Premix epoxy resin and CTBN evenly at 60℃, then add polyamide curing agent and stir thoroughly.

[0039] 2. Apply the mixed adhesive evenly to the surface of the root control board 1 using a scraping method.

[0040] 3. The coating thickness is controlled at 80±10 micrometers.

[0041] 4. Curing at 80℃ for 1.5 hours forms a strong and tough adhesive layer with a certain degree of deformation capability.

[0042] Second, the sustained-release layer is a biodegradable polymer matrix (such as a PLA / PBAT hybrid membrane) containing microcapsules. These microcapsules contain growth regulators (such as low-concentration naphthaleneacetic acid) and nutrients. Through the slow degradation of the polymer matrix, the microcapsules are gradually released, achieving a long-lasting sustained-release effect.

[0043] Preparation of microcapsules: Wall material: Gelatin and gum arabic in a 1:1 ratio by weight.

[0044] Core material: 0.05% naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) aqueous solution and 5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) aqueous solution are mixed at a volume ratio of 1:1.

[0045] Process: The wall material is dissolved in the core material solution, the pH is adjusted to 4.0 to initiate re-coagulation, and after forming the capsule wall, it is cooled to below 10°C to solidify. After washing and drying, microcapsules with a particle size of 20-40 micrometers are obtained, with an encapsulation rate of >85%.

[0046] Degradation of polymer matrix: Materials: Polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), mass ratio 60:40.

[0047] Blending: Melt blending and granulation are carried out using a twin-screw extruder at 170°C to improve toughness and degradation rate.

[0048] Composite film preparation: 1. Mix the above microcapsules with PLA / PBAT blended granules at a mass fraction of 30%.

[0049] 2. A thin film with a thickness of 100±20 micrometers is formed at 180℃ using a casting film forming process, thus obtaining the sustained-release functional film.

[0050] Third, the contact response layer is a hydrogel network in which root exudate enzymatic hydrolysis catalysts are immobilized.

[0051] Preparation of hydrogel networks: Monomers: Acrylamide (AM) and acrylic acid (AA), molar ratio 8:2.

[0052] Crosslinking agent: N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA), used at 0.5% of the total monomer mass.

[0053] Initiator: Potassium persulfate.

[0054] Enzyme immobilization: Enzyme: Urease (EC 3.5.1.5) was selected. This is a common enzyme that can catalyze the hydrolysis of urea, and its reaction products can cause local pH changes.

[0055] Immobilization: Urease (200 units per gram of monomer) was added to a solution of acrylamide and acrylic acid monomers, and polymerization was initiated. The urease was physically immobilized within the three-dimensional hydrogel network through mesh embedding during the polymerization process.

[0056] Response mechanism: When urea-like substances secreted by the roots diffuse into the hydrogel layer, they are hydrolyzed by immobilized urease, producing ammonia and carbon dioxide, which causes a local increase in pH at the contact point. This pH change triggers an increase in the ionization degree of pH-sensitive acrylic acid segments, generating electrostatic repulsion, which causes the hydrogel to swell or even dissolve locally at the contact point, opening the microporous channels of the slow-release layer.

[0057] IV. The protective layer is a thin, water-soluble or biodegradable protective film. During installation, this protective layer bears the friction of the root control board 1. After installation, it can quickly dissolve or crack if exposed to soil moisture.

[0058] Specific ingredient: Hydroxypropyl starch.

[0059] Film formation process: A 10% aqueous solution of hydroxypropyl starch is cast onto a flat substrate and dried at 50°C to form a film.

[0060] Key performance characteristics are as follows: Dry film thickness: approximately 30 micrometers.

[0061] Solubility: It dissolves completely within 30 minutes in an environment of 25°C and 90% relative humidity.

[0062] Adhesion: A small amount of edible-grade glycerin is used as a plasticizer to allow it to adhere tightly to the surface of the contact response layer.

[0063] The confirmatory experimental data are as follows: The root control plate 1 coated with the above-mentioned root control coating was placed in a buffer solution containing 0.1% urea (simulating root exudates). After 24 hours, high performance liquid chromatography showed that the release of naphthaleneacetic acid below the contact point with the urea solution was 5-8 times higher than that in the uncontacted area, which proved its good on-demand release characteristics.

[0064] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots, characterized in that, include: Root control board (1), the root control board (1) is buried in the soil layer between the root system of the forest tree and the growth area of ​​the medicinal material. It has a root control coating on the side facing the forest tree, and the top is exposed above the soil layer and connected to the flexible fixing structure (3) through the telescopic buffer structure (2). The flexible fixing structure (3) is connected to the trunk of the forest tree.

2. The root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots according to claim 1, characterized in that, The root control board (1) is arranged vertically, with a V-shaped cross-section and its opening side facing the trees.

3. A root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots according to claim 2, characterized in that, The root control plate (1) is provided with multiple rows of through holes, each of which includes multiple microholes (101) arranged at intervals from top to bottom.

4. A root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom of the root control plate (1) is connected to a plurality of spaced anchor rods (4), the bottom of which is set as a pointed tip.

5. A root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic buffer structure (2) includes a damper (21), one end of which is hinged to the control plate (1) via a hinge ball, and the other end is connected to the flexible fixed structure (3) via a connecting structure (22); an elastic structure (23) is provided on the outside of the damper (21), and the two ends of the elastic structure (23) are respectively connected to the fixed end and the moving end of the damper (21).

6. A root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots according to claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic structure (23) includes a first blocking member (231) connected to the fixed end of the damper (21) and a second blocking member (232) connected to the actuating end of the damper (21). A spring (233) is provided between the first blocking member (231) and the second blocking member (232). The spring (233) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the damper (21), and its two ends abut against the first blocking member (231) and the second blocking member (232) respectively.

7. A root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots according to claim 6, characterized in that, The blocking component (231) is configured as a nut, and the outer periphery of the fixed end of the damper (21) is provided with a threaded section that is adapted to the nut, and the nut is threadedly connected to the threaded section.

8. A root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connection structure (22) includes a first connecting ring (221) connected to the damper (21) on the side near the flexible fixed structure (3), and a second connecting ring (222) connected to the flexible fixed structure (3). The first connecting ring (221) and the second connecting ring (222) are connected by a pin (223).

9. A root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible fixing structure (3) is configured as an adaptive telescopic strap, made of a composite rubber / fabric material with shape memory or high elasticity.

10. A root control device for intercropping medicinal herbs to drive the directional growth of tree roots according to claim 1, characterized in that, The root control plate (1) is made of biodegradable plastic.

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